Matt Damon's Stuntwoman Just Dropped Her Workout Routine
Our take
The internet’s current fascination with Devyn Dalton’s workout routine – the stuntwoman behind Matt Damon in “The Odyssey” – feels perfectly aligned with a broader cultural shift. We’re moving beyond the aspirational, often unattainable, fitness narratives of sculpted influencers and embracing the powerful, grounded reality of those who *do* the work. Dalton’s impressive physique isn't the result of endless green smoothies and perfectly curated Instagram posts; it's the tangible outcome of demanding physical labor. It's a refreshing counterpoint to the often-performative nature of online fitness, especially when compared to the seemingly effortless beauty routines highlighted in articles like 7 Bestselling Skincare Products to Check Out If You're New to KBeauty. The focus here isn’t on superficial enhancements but on the strength and capability forged through rigorous training – a strength born of necessity, not vanity. This resonates deeply with a growing desire for authenticity and a rejection of manufactured perfection.
What’s particularly compelling is the way Dalton’s story intersects with the ongoing conversation around the Hollywood stunt community. For years, these incredibly skilled individuals have operated largely in the shadows, their contributions often overlooked while the actors they support receive the accolades. This spotlight on her training regimen, and the sheer power it demonstrates, is a subtle but significant validation of their expertise and dedication. It’s not just about admiring the biceps; it's about recognizing the immense physical and mental fortitude required to perform the demanding work of a stunt professional. The attention is also building on the momentum surrounding the press tour looks of actors like Charlize Theron, as noted in Charlize Theron's Hairstylist Shares the Most Underrated Product in His Kit, demonstrating a wider appreciation for the artistry and skill that goes into portraying characters convincingly, both on and off screen. Dalton’s routine, then, becomes a tangible representation of the dedication behind the illusion.
The broader significance of this trend extends beyond Hollywood. It reflects a societal re-evaluation of what we consider “aspirational.” The glossy, often unrealistic portrayals of fitness are slowly giving way to a more realistic, and arguably more empowering, appreciation for functional strength and resilience. The popularity of articles detailing real-life fitness journeys, like I Tried 4 Different Workout Classes at a Sold-Out "Fitness Festival", further underscores this shift. People are less interested in chasing an idealized image and more invested in understanding how to build a body that can handle the demands of everyday life – and, in Dalton’s case, the demands of a high-stakes career. It's a move away from fleeting trends and towards sustainable, strength-based approaches to wellness.
Ultimately, Devyn Dalton’s viral workout routine is more than just a fitness phenomenon; it’s a cultural moment. It represents a growing desire for authenticity, a recognition of unsung heroes, and a redefinition of what it means to be strong. As we continue to move away from the curated perfection of social media, will we see a greater emphasis on celebrating the functional strength and resilience of individuals who embody a quiet, powerful confidence, and how will this influence the future of fitness marketing and the very definition of aspirational living?
At this point, Devyn Dalton's biceps deserve their own Oscar. The 4′ 6″ stuntwoman first made headlines after Matt Damon shouted out her impressive work in "The Odyssey." On an episode of Josh Horowitz's "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, Damon said that Dalton has the "greatest arms I've ever seen." High praise coming from Odysseus himself. For Dalton, the viral moment felt surreal, but it's also about time stunt performers received their flowers, she tells Popsugar.
With only about 22 percent of stunt workers identifying as female, Dalton doubling for a leading Hollywood man is no small feat. And although she started performing professionally at just nine years old, Damon is actually the first male A-lister she's ever body doubled for. "It took a lot of years of quietly showing up," Dalton says. "Being trusted in that space is something I don't take lightly. It represents years of preparation, consistency, and a genuine love for what I do."
From her beginnings in dance and theater, to her current work in motion capture and creature performance (a physical portrayal of non-human characters like animals, monsters, and aliens), Dalton truly does it all. To find out more about her journey, we asked Dalton to share her most unusual stunt prep, her experience with being underestimated in Hollywood, and yes, the workout routine behind those famous biceps. Read on to learn all about the resilience (and hardcore training) that brought Dalton to the big-screen.
Popsugar: As the woman with "the greatest arms" ever, can you tell us about your upper body routine?
Devyn Dalton: (Laughs.) I still can't believe that's become a thing. Honestly, there isn't a secret workout. I am so proud — I have never felt more beautiful and feminine than with my muscles. My training is built around what I enjoy doing, and has been a part of my daily life since I was young. I do a mix of strength training, Muay Thai, dance, mobility work, and functional exercises that help me perform safely and move well. I focus on consistency rather than chasing quick results. I also love being outdoors, so I get outside for runs, hikes, swimming and bike rides whenever I can.
The biggest thing I've learned is that health is wealth. You can't out-train poor recovery. Good nutrition, quality sleep, hydration, and looking after your body are just as important as lifting weights.
PS: What drew you to stunt work in the first place?
DD: I've always loved storytelling through movement. Acting naturally led me into motion capture and creature performance, and stunts became another extension of that. I've never wanted to be put into one box. Sometimes you're telling a story with dialogue, sometimes with physicality, and sometimes without saying a single word . . . that's what I love about this industry: it isn't just about doing something physical or dangerous; it's about helping tell the story in the most truthful and believable way possible.
PS: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a woman in the industry?
DD: To be honest, I've probably been underestimated more because of my size than because I'm a woman. People often make assumptions about what I can or can't do before they've even met me. Then, they watch me work. The industry has changed enormously over the years and it's exciting to see more opportunities for women doing work that traditionally may have gone to men. At the end of the day, productions want the best performer for the job, and I think that's exactly how it should be. I hope seeing women in these roles encourages the next generation to realize there isn't just one path anymore.
PS: Does your health and fitness regimen change at all when gearing up for a new project?
DD: Absolutely. Every project asks something different of you. Sometimes it's building strength, sometimes it's improving endurance or mobility, and other times it's simply maintaining what I've already built . . . because my career is so physical, training isn't something I switch on for a project — it's simply part of my lifestyle.
PS: What's the most unusual thing you've done to prepare for a stunt?
DD: Learning how to create completely different creatures through movement is unlike anything else. You're studying how animals move, changing your posture, your rhythm, and even your breathing to create a believable character. I've also trained in everything from wire work and fight choreography to martial arts and movement techniques. The funny part is that you never know which random skill will suddenly become useful years later.
PS: Looking back, is there any particular stunt or body double work you're most proud of?
DD: I'm incredibly proud of my motion capture work. Performing characters that audiences connect with — often without them ever knowing there's a performer behind them — is a unique privilege. Whether I'm acting on camera, performing in a motion capture suit, or working in physical performance, the goal is always the same: to help bring unforgettable characters and stories to life.
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Chandler Plante (she/her) is a staff writer and PS Fit Producer. She has over six years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.Read on the original site
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